Should the government ban the sale of violent video games to kids?

Starr Keshet, 15th September 2010

Do you think the government should ban the sale of violent video games to kids? Well, if you do, you are certainly not alone.

Indeed, a recent poll conducted by Common Sense Media (CSM) claims that nearly three-quarters of all adults (72%) would support a law prohibiting minors from purchasing ultra-violent or sexually violent video games without parental consent.

"The results of this poll clearly show that not only do the effects of ultra-violent or sexually violent games weigh heavily on the minds of parents, but also that parents feel that the video game industry isn't doing nearly enough to protect kids from accessing the most ultra-violent games," explained CSM CEO James Steyer.

"What we've learned from this poll is that parents want to be the ones deciding which games their kids play, not the video game industry."

The poll was conducted just days after the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) kicked off a massive campaign to overturn California legislation banning the sale of violent video games to minors - with the US Supreme Court slated to hear opening arguments from both sides on November 2, 2010.

"It is disappointing that the attorneys general we've contacted will open their doors to the billion-dollar video game industry, but they won't take the time to speak with an organization that represents parents," complained Steyer.

"[Still], we hope the attorneys general will take a look at these poll results and that they'll side with families over protecting the profits of the video game industry."